Dynamic communication and method of use

ABSTRACT

A communication system and method for enhancing the effectiveness of wireless and wired systems. The communication system comprising a combination of (A) a communication device with two separate transceivers and a unique access number (B) said transceivers with a short-range wireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver, (C) a communication management system from the group of local communication management system for individual coordinated device connectivity, distributed communication management system for management of multiple communication devices, (D) said communication management system performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamic addressing of communication devices within the network of communication devices. Suitable wireless medium include wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wireless radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. Suitable wired medium include serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 communication means. The communication management system ensures seamless and ubiquitous communication between wired and wireless devices. The communication system, when utilizing dynamic communication for wireless or wired roaming communications in-conjunction with dynamic switching and addressing, enhances the performance and effectiveness that are beneficial to most communication devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/050,838 filed on Jan. 16, 2002 now abandoned, and claims priorityfrom U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/261,637 filed Jan.16, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dynamic communication for wireless andwired roaming communications devices and methods for enhancing thecommunications channel medium, and in particular to the use of dynamicswitching and addressing in wireless and wired communications to enhancethe performance and cost effectiveness of wireless and wired media.

This invention relates to telecommunications networks, and moreparticularly to telecommunications networks employing dynamic protocolswitching and addressing for communication links. The recent increase inwireless communications has created demands for less expensive meanswith faster response times and more system flexibility for universalaccess.

When the user requests communication from an area outside of theassigned geographic location, the requested communication must first besent to the assigned geographic location and then forwarded to its finaldestination. Disadvantageously, static Internet Protocol (IP) addressinghas been known to create long response times and possibly reducedthroughput. Attempts have been made to solve some of these problems withdynamic IP addressing. Dynamic IP addressing assigns a new temporary IPaddress local to the requesting device according to its currentlocation. Therefore, Internet access requests outside of the originallyassigned network do not have to be routed back through the originallyassigned network. Instead, communications may be processed directly atthe geographic location of the new temporary local address.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,725 discloses a communication system having a localnetwork communicating with a remote network for assigning a dynamic IPaddress to a communication device and an IP network by providing bothlocal and non-local dynamic IP addressing to reduce the response times,increase service availability for Internet access requests, and allowaccess to more networks. Once a non-local dynamic IP address can beassigned to satisfy the address request, the non-local dynamic IPaddress will be maintained for the duration of the communication sessionbetween the communication device and the IP network. Therefore thenotion of dynamic addressing is limited to the establishment of thecommunications session thus preventing dynamic addressing and switchingto occur within one communications session.

When the user requests wireless communication using traditional cellularphone, the requested communication is channeled through an expensiveresource with relatively limited bandwidth. Disadvantageously, cellularphone systems are becoming more bandwidth constrained as both the demandis increasing significantly and the applications demanding bandwidth arebecoming more communications intensive. Attempts have been made to solvesome of these problems with dual mode communications within the cellularbandwidth. Dual mode handsets utilizes low range cellular overlay cellsto the requesting device to serve as a call forwarding transceiveraccording to its home location.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,259 discloses a multiple mode, personal wirelesscommunications system that exists within a radiotelephone networkserving general customers and provides additional services to a selectgroup of customers. The system uses handsets that automatically switchbetween a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation and anenhanced cordless mode when the handsets are within range of pico cellsthat are interconnected to the public switched telephone network. Theterm “pico” is used herein to suggest a smaller size than conventionalcellular radio telephone cells. Pico cells are provided at customerselected locations to cooperate with a framework of overlay cells thatoperate independently of the cells of the cellular network. Each picocell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells that operatesindependently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique controlprotocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Once thecommunications link is established, the inability to switch betweenmodes prevents seamless operation. Therefore the notion of dynamicswitching of modes is limited to the a) establishment of two modeswithin one radio per handset (in reality both modes are cellular modessimply using two channels, a low power channel and a high powerchannel), b) the handset is registered to one pico station designated as“home” that receives a call forwarded to the pico station telephonenumber, c) establishment of one communications link per pico station,and d) cancellation of short range pico mode when carried out of rangeof the pico station.

The present invention provides a new and improved wirelesscommunications enhancement for conveying of analog and digital data andmethod of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a dynamiccommunication system is provided. The system includes an integratedshort-range wireless or wired transceiver, an integrated long-rangewireless transceiver, an integrated communication management system anda unique identification number therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, acommunication management system is provided. The communicationmanagement system includes a local communication management systemintegral to the InterActMe communication device and a distributedcommunication management systems that preferably establishes acommunications link with the short-range wireless or wired transceiver.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication management system utilizes a look up table to establishthe originator and terminator(s) link of the communications link and aprioritization process in choosing from multiple connection options. Theprocess includes the utilizing of algorithms to determine optimalswitching between short-range and long-range transceivers, between oneaddress and another address, between a channel manager and anotherchannel manager, and between one routing means and another routing meansand to determine the optimal time to switch of any of the precedingstates.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication device establishes a known geographic presence. Thegeographic presence is determined by numerous methods that includesignal strength triangulation, integrated global positioning systemswith actual communication device, and communication access port. Theprocesses that benefit from knowledge of geographic location arenumerous that include safety, marketing, optimal routing, addressing,and communications link, audit trail for payroll, to individualprofiling.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication device extends the notion of caller identification(Caller-ID). The Caller-ID extension includes both the call originatorand call terminator access numbers (prior referenced names can bealternatively shown).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication device reads context sensitive data. The context sensitivedata is read by numerous methods that include bar code scanners, radiofrequency identification tags, infrared transceivers, and opticalreaders.

As used herein, the term communication management system is used toimply the coordinated and integrated operations of local and remotechannel managers, dynamic routing systems, and a routing manager system.

The term “wireless” refers to the non-wired measures to establishcommunications. This includes though not limited to infrared, radiofrequency, cellular, radar, and power-line carrier.

The term “wired” refers to the use of physical electrical or opticalconnectivity to establish communications. This includes though notlimited to the use of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, opticalfiber, and RS-485 port communication.

The term “access number” refers to the traditional identification numberutilized within the respective communication protocol. Exemplary accessnumbers include telephone numbers, Internet Protocol addresses, devicepath and node numbers, unique identification numbers that arecross-referenced in a table.

The term “access port” refers to the physical port at which the wirelesscommunication is transmitted and received from the communications systemto each communications device.

The term “seamless” refers to the transparent, non-noticeable, andcontinuous maintenance of communications despite the transition from onecommunications medium, port, or device to another.

The term “algorithm” refers to calculations, rules, and parameter valuesutilized to determine the change of state in a deterministic manner.

The term “warning signal” refers to visual, audio, mechanical signalsindicating the occurrence of a specific event or status of a specificparameter. This includes though not limited to LEDs, tone generator, LCDdisplay, vibrator, and lights.

The term “communications link” refers to the successful bi-directionalconveyance of data, whether analog or digital, between two or morecommunication devices.

The term “threshold” refers to an operational range for one or morecritical parameters that establishes a targeted envelope of operation.

The term “phone call” refers to the simultaneous bi-directional exchangeof digital or analog data, which includes standard voice and dataexchange.

The term “walkie-talkie” refers to uni-directional exchange of digitalor analog data, which includes messaging, paging, data exchange, andstandard voice.

One advantage of the present invention is that cost effectiveness ofwireless and wired communications is increased.

Another advantage of the present invention is that cellular channelresources are reduced, by utilizing alternative short-rangecommunication means.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the dynamicaddressing and look up tables enhance ubiquitous communication.

A further advantage of the present invention derives from identificationof both the communications link originator and terminator to minimizenon-prioritized interruptions and to maximize communicationsinteractions.

A yet further advantage of the invention is that multiple communicationmeans can be seamlessly transitioned between communication channels,means, and access numbers.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that designflexibility of new open wireless standards is significantly greater thanthe relatively closed cellular standards.

A yet further advantage of the present invention is extensive secondarybenefits associated with the integrated knowledge of geographic locationand ubiquitous communications.

A still further advantage of the present invention is the establishmentof special device class to maintain network security amongst traditionalnetwork devices.

Other advantages of the present invention derive from the integratedknowledge of context sensitive data, knowledge of geographic location,knowledge of communications device owner identification, knowledgedatabase 19 in communication system, dynamic access and control, andreal-time ubiquitous communications.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in and will be apparent from the detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments. It should be understood that variouschanges and modifications to the presently preferred embodimentsdescribed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Suchchanges and modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendantadvantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modificationsbe covered by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic depicting three data lookup tables utilized by thedata router;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a wide areanetwork;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a local areanetwork with multiple access points;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a local areanetwork within the same access point;

FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting one database record 19 for onecommunication device in the inventive manner indicating dynamicconnectivity information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A dynamic communications system and methods for comprising a combinationof (A) a wireless communication device with two separate transceiversand a unique access number, (B) said transceiver with a short-rangewireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver, (C) acommunication management system from the group of local communicationmanagement system for individual coordinated device connectivity,distributed communication management system for management of multiplecommunication devices, (D) said communication management systemperforming dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamicaddressing of communication devices when used in a wirelesscommunications system, has a number of advantages, including increasedcost effectiveness, increased long-range wireless resource capacity,increased communications flexibility, superior management flexibilityand providing seamless and stable performance.

The wireless communication device is with configured both a short-rangewireless or wired channel and a long-range wireless channel, and acorresponding InterActMe number, hereinafter referred to as “InterActMeDevice”, useful in this invention are those of standard wired andwireless means. The standard wireless means are selected from the groupof wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wirelessradio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. For example, infrared,Bluetooth, cellular or other suitable wireless communications means maybe used to form a communications link. The standard wired means areselected from the group of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet,optical fiber, and RS-485 port communication.

The preferred short-range communications means is influenced by a numberof factors, including cost effectiveness, range and protocolcharacteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their bandwidthutilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously). Preferredshort-range communication means have minimal interference from thelong-range wireless means and from a multiple of short-range devices(expressed in terms of the number average value of the maximum nodesnumber within the operating range) of from about 1 device and 10,000devices. More preferred short-range communications means have a maximumnodes number of from about 10 devices to about 256 devices. Particularlypreferred short-range communications means have a particle maximum nodenumber of from about 256 devices. Above about 256 devices, theinterference factor affects the stability of the communications linkoutweighing the benefits of multiple devices. Within the preferredrange, some of the protocols may utilize code division multiplexing toincrease the effective bandwidth.

The preferred long-range wireless means is influenced by a number offactors, including cost effectiveness, range and protocolcharacteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their bandwidthutilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously). Preferredlong-range wireless means have minimal interference from the short-rangewireless means and from a multiple of long-range wireless devices(expressed in terms of the number average value of the maximum nodesnumber within the operating range) of from about 1 device and 100,000devices and various multiplexing schemes. More preferred long-rangewireless means have a maximum nodes number of from about 100 devices toabout 10,000 devices. Particularly preferred long-range wireless meanshave a maximum node number from about 1,000 devices with code divisionmultiplexing or time division multiplexing and spread spectrum. Morepreferred long-range wireless means utilize code division multiplexingand spread spectrum radio frequency cellular communications standards.

Preferred unique access numbers for identifying the specific owner ofcommunication device have a broad range of possibilities, hereinafterreferred to as “InterActMe Access Number”. Exemplary unique accessnumbers include a standard telephone number, an Internet Protocoladdress, a government assigned identification number (such as SocialSecurity Number with a preceding country code), or a company assigned128 bit encrypted number.

In the preferred embodiment, the local communication management systemfor individual coordinated device connectivity of each InterActMe Deviceseeks to establish a communications link with the short-range channelpreferably over the long-range channel. The short-range link ispreferably utilized when ample signal strength and bandwidth isavailable, and authorized access & registration is acknowledged. Thisprovides reduced cost associated with more expensive cellular resourcesand service provider.

In the preferred embodiment, the communications link is utilized totransfer digital data and analog data that represents data and voicebetween the originator and terminator(s) over the chosen channel totheir respective access number(s), utilizing their respective protocolsas managed by a communication management system. Both a localcommunication management system on the InterActMe Device and distributedcommunication management system manage and coordinate the actions andinteractions between the individual components at the communicationsdevice level and all InterActMe devices respectively.

Particularly preferred communications links are between InterActMeaccess numbers that are cross-referenced in the InterActMe Lookup Table(FIG. 1 #13), which is utilized to provide current access number(s) orsequential prioritization of access number(s) by the InterActMe RoutingManager (FIG. 1 #10) as detailed in the table shown as FIG. 5. Exemplarydatabase 19 fields include: Current Access Mode In & Out, Current AccessNumber, Current Protocol, Current Dynamic Address, a series of PriorityNumbers in sequential preference order with their respective Protocol,and e-mail Address all cross-referenced (e.g., index) by the InterActMeAccess Number. The method may further include InterActMe Access Numberswith their respective protocols for a wide range of data content.Exemplary types of data content include fax, e-mail, voice-mail,cellular, dynamic or static Internet Protocol address with theirrespective protocols. The method may further include a wide range ofpersonal, professional, and marketing information in an object oriented,relational, semantic, or flat-file database 19 cross-referenced byInterActMe Access Number. Said Current Access Mode In & Out is theparameter to store the mode of operation for the InterActMe Devicerespectively for calls initiated by the device and calls terminated tothe device. Said Current Access Number is the parameter that stores anycall forwarding access numbers in the event that the InterActMe AccessNumber is not otherwise available. Said Current Protocol is theparameter to store the communication protocol utilized to establish acommunication link at the aforementioned Current Access Number. SaidCurrent Dynamic Address is the parameter to store the InterActMeassigned address currently being utilized in the communication link. TheCurrent Dynamic Address includes the identification of InterActMe LocalChannel Manager and InterActMe Remote Channel Manager in addition to theunique identifier of channel at the respective channel manager.

Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment can operate in accordance totwo Local Modes of operation that include Static Local Channel Manager(FIG. 4) and Dynamic Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3). In the event thatthe existing short-range link falls below the local threshold of signalstrength and bandwidth availability from the InterActMe Local ChannelManager (FIG. 4 #32) a warning signal is generated on the InterActMe(FIG. 4 #33) while in either Local Mode. The short-range link ismaintained until the signal strength and bandwidth availability fallbelow the dropout specification.

Each InterActMe Device in the more preferred embodiment operates in theDynamic Local Channel Manager mode. The InterActMe Device, while in theDynamic Local Channel Manager mode, transfers the communications linkfrom the original InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) to thenext InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23) as it enters its'coverage area. Both Local Modes ensure a seamless communications linkbetween the authorized InterActMe Device to other authorized InterActMeDevice(s), solely through the InterActMe Local Channel Manager(s). TheLocal Communication Management System is capable of establishing acommunications link between one InterActMe Device to another InterActMeDevice directly as further enabled or disabled at its respective device,though limited by the strict implementation of the short-range accessprotocol, independent of the InterActMe System.

The preferred embodiment further includes sub-modes of the Local Modefor each InterActMe Device whereby the device operates as either atelephone or walkie-talkie. The exemplary telephone mode enables themaking and receiving of a “phone call” in the same end-user proceduralmanner as the standard plain old telephone. The InterActMe system,however, orchestrates the translation of access number(s) in accordanceto the invention disclosure transparent to the end-user. A “phone call”includes exemplary standard phone features such as conference calling,call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail retrieval and recording, andpager operations. The exemplary walkie-talkie mode enables asynchronouscommunications between multiple InterActMe Devices in the same end-userprocedural manner as the standard two-way radio. The InterActMe Systemagain, however, orchestrates the translation of access number(s) inaccordance to the invention disclosure transparent to the end-user.

An exemplary operational procedure of the Static Local Channel Manageris generally as follows:

-   -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) registers with the        InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) its presence.    -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) requests a phone        call or walk-talkie communication with a specified access        number(s) to the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32).        The specified access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers        or traditional telephone numbers (that include fax, pager,        cellular, and plain old telephone system).    -   InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) communicates with        InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 4 #31) to determine the        communications link to the requested access number(s).    -   InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) establishes the        communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device        (FIG. 4 #34) with the requested access number(s).    -   Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) or InterActMe        Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #34) can terminate the        communications link at any time.

An exemplary operational procedure of the Dynamic Local Channel Manageris generally as follows:

-   -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) registers with the        InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) its presence.    -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) requests a phone        call or walk-talkie communication with a specified access        number(s) to the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22).        The specified access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers        or traditional telephone numbers (that include fax, pager,        cellular, and plain old telephone system).    -   InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) communicates with        InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3 #21) to determine the        communications link to the requested access number(s).    -   InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) established the        communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device        (FIG. 3 #26) with the requested access number(s) through the        determined InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23).    -   The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) that has the        established communications link, hereinafter referred to as        access port, with the InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3        #25), hereinafter referred to as access node, is responsible for        maintaining the strength of signal communications link between        the access port and access node in accordance to the “local        threshold”. In the event that the existing short-range link        falls below the local to another local switch threshold,        hereinafter referred to as “local threshold” (e.g., signal        strength and bandwidth availability) a warning signal is        generated on the InterActMe. The InterActMe Local Channel        Manager (FIG. 3 #23) is likewise responsible for InterActMe        Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) in the same manner.    -   The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) moves the        access port seamlessly to the next InterActMe Local Channel        Manager as determined by the InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3        #21) in a seamless manner.    -   Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) or InterActMe        Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) can terminate the        communications link at any time.

Multiple sub-modes of the two Local Modes (Dynamic Local Channel Managerand Static Local Channel Manager) are anticipated in the preferredembodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:

-   -   InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through one InterActMe        Local Channel Manager.    -   InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through one initiating        InterActMe Local Channel Manager and another receiving        InterActMe Local Channel Manager.    -   InterActMe can initiate “walkie-talkie” directly to other        InterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local        Channel Manager.    -   InterActMe can receive “phone call” through an InterActMe Local        Channel Manager.    -   InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through an InterActMe Local        Channel Manager to other InterActMes on the same InterActMe        Local Channel Manager.    -   InterActMe can enable seamless access from the one initiating        InterActMe Local Channel Manager to the next InterActMe Local        Channel Manager, which becomes the new “initiating” InterActMe        Local Channel Manager.

While in Cellular Mode, only the long-range link is enabled forcommunication. The InterActMe device's short-range abilities areeffectively disabled. This mode effectively prevents the presencedetection of an InterActMe Local Channel Manager from establishing anyform of communications with the InterActMe. Cellular Mode is analogousto the Dynamic Local Channel Manager, yet replaced with the CellularBase Station (FIG. 2 #4).

An exemplary operational procedure of the InterActMe Cellular BaseStation is generally as follows:

-   -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) registers with the        Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) its presence.    -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) requests a phone call        or walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s)        to the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3). The        specified access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or        traditional telephone numbers (that include fax, pager,        cellular, and plain old telephone system).    -   InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) communicates with        InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2 #1) to determine the        communications link to the requested access number(s).    -   InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) established the        communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device        (FIG. 2 #6) with the requested access number(s) through the        determined InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #6).    -   The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) that has the established        communications link, hereinafter referred to as access port,        with the InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5), hereinafter        referred to as access node, is responsible for maintaining the        strength of signal communications link between the access port        and access node in accordance to the “remote threshold”. The        Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) is likewise responsible for        maintaining the communications link with the InterActMe        Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5).    -   The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access port        seamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as        determined by the service control unit of the standard cellular        infrastructure in a seamless manner.    -   The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #2) maintains and        establishes the communications link to the other InterActMe        Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #6) with the requested access        number(s). The access number(s) are controlled in accordance        with the selected operational mode of the respective InterActMe        access number.    -   Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or access        InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #6) can terminate the        communications link at any time.

The InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also operate as astandard cellular phone. An exemplary operational procedure of thestandard cellular phone is generally as follows:

-   -   InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also simply        operate as a standard cellular phone and thus request a phone        call with a specified access number, through the Cellular Base        Station (FIG. 2 #4), that is a traditional telephone number        (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old telephone        system) or Internet Protocol address.    -   The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access port        seamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as        determined by the service control unit of the standard cellular        infrastructure in a seamless manner.    -   Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or connected        phone access number can terminate the communications link at any        time.

Multiple sub-modes of Cellular Mode are anticipated in the preferredembodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:

-   -   InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through a Cellular Base        Station.    -   InterActMe can receive “phone call” through a Cellular Base        Station.    -   InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through a Cellular Base        Station and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel        Manager as routed to other InterActMes on their respective        InterActMe Local Channel Manager or InterActMe Remote Channel        Manager.    -   InterActMe can receive “phone call” through a Cellular Base        Station and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel        Manager as routed to other InterActMes on their respective        InterActMe Local Channel Manager or InterActMe Remote Channel        Manager.    -   All phone call actions as characterized above can be replaced by        walkie-talkie actions, Internet Access to IP address actions.    -   InterActMe can initiate “walkie-talkie” directly to other        InterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local        Channel Manager, InterActMe Remote Channel Manager or Cellular        Base Station.

The most preferred embodiment of the invention is for all InterActMeDevices to operate in the Seamless Mode. The Seamless Mode enablesdynamic and seamless switching between Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4)and InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #2), in the event that theexisting short-range link falls below the local to remote switchthreshold, hereinafter referred to as “seamless threshold” (e.g., signalstrength and bandwidth availability). A warning signal is generated onthe InterActMe to indicate a switch to and from the remote and localchannel manager. The warning signal can optionally be indicative ofwhether now in remote or local mode. The pitch of the warning signal candifferentiate between the two modes. An additional audible signal can begenerated periodically as a reminder of the actual operational mode ofthe Local Communication Management System (short-range or long-range).The short-range link remains the most preferred and thus the primarycommunications link until the seamless threshold is reached at whichtime the InterActMe (FIG. 1 #5) initiates a long-range wireless standbycommunications link through the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG.2 #3). Upon the successful establishment of the standby link between thenew InterActMe Remote Channel Manager and the current InterActMe LocalChannel Manager, in accordance to InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2 #1)on behalf of the InterActMe (FIG. 1 #5), the communications link istransferred from the current InterActMe Local Channel Manager to theInterActMe Remote Channel Manager. The reverse process occurs when theseamless threshold establishes a short-range standby communications linkbetween the current InterActMe Remote Channel Manager and the newdesignated InterActMe Local Channel Manager.

The preferred embodiment utilizes an InterActMe Dynamic Router thatselects the optimal communications link utilizing an algorithm tominimize customer cost (e.g., preference of local channel manager overremote channel manager), to minimize frequency of switching betweenlocal channel managers (e.g., preference of access port with increasesignal strength, increased operational range, and consistent withdirection of travel), to maximize communications link quality, and toensure routing capacity availability. Numerous algorithms can be used todetermine optimal routing with exemplary factors such as historicalperformance, membership privileges, and features provided by one localchannel manager versus other accessible local channel managers (e.g.,security encryption, “home” access port, exclusion list of local channelmanagers, etc.). Additional algorithms are included in the morepreferred embodiment to determine optimal switching time with exemplaryfactors such as rate of signal strength deterioration or increase,overlap bands in registered thresholds of local threshold, remotethreshold, and seamless threshold.

The more preferred embodiment further incorporates dynamic addressing tooptimize the communications link throughout the communicationsinfrastructure. Numerous algorithms can be used to determine optimalswitching time of dynamic address with exemplary factors such as time toregister a new dynamic address (to avoid switching latency that mayjeopardize seamless link between two channel managers). Numerous methodsare available to achieve the desired benefits of dynamic addressing withone exemplary method of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)server, the historically traditional issuer of dynamic addresses on alocal basis. Additional methods include a Network Address Translation(NAT) server. The more preferred method is the InterActMe RoutingManagement System implementing a dynamic addressing scheme and comprisedof a network of distributed InterActMe Routing Managers. Said dynamicaddressing scheme provides for algorithms that optimize the selection ofan address for each InterActMe Device throughout the entirecommunications process, not solely during the establishment of thecommunications device as a recognized device and not solely during theestablishment of the initial communications link. Further methodsincorporated into the preferred embodiment of the invention include thedirect linking of “remote” addresses to a local table of corresponding“local” addresses. The resulting benefits of dynamic addressing arereduced communication latency times, ability to use priority designatedtunnels of communication between all InterActMe Remote Channel Managersand InterActMe Local Channel Managers, and the ability of a wide rangeof devices to serve within one integrated and unified communicationssystem.

The more preferred embodiment establishes a special device class todifferentiate between InterActMe Devices and non-InterActMe Devices(e.g., standard network devices). Improved network security ismaintained by enabling a limited range of communications as compared totraditional Internet Protocol (IP) communications to InterActMe Devices.The method may further include an extension of traditional calleridentification systems (Caller-ID) to become a true unifiedcommunications system. Each InterActMe Device takes advantage of saidextended Caller-ID features by making known to the desired callterminator InterActMe Device both the call originator (standard callerid) and the desired call terminator (extended caller id). This featureis highly desirable of an InterActMe device especially under the dynamicaddressing scheme due to one InterActMe Device serving effectivelymultiple InterActMe access numbers concurrently. The Caller-ID accessnumber or prior referenced names can be alternatively shown or vocalizedusing a text to speech synthesizer.

The call terminator is a critical parameter, within the preferredembodiment of the InterActMe System, in the determination of handlingprocedure to establish communication link. Exemplary of this importanceis a business communications link being routed to voice mail directly inaccordance to a time of day 15 and calendar schedule 14. Therefore theunified communications system avoids undesirable interruptions. Furtherprocess handling can be easily achieved such as screening-in orscreening-out filters 16. The method may further include a distinct ringto distinguish between a certain call terminator and others. A furtherexemplary is a children's communication link being routed to voice maildirectly in accordance to a time of day 15 and calendar schedule 14along with screen-in and/or screen-out filters 16. The freedom andflexibility of every employee, family member, etc. having their ownInterActMe device introduces significant management demands toeffectively disable certain communications links at specified times.

Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment is further capable, withinthe full functionality of the InterActMe system, to make known itsgeographic location 8 through the known location 8 of each activeInterActMe Local Channel Manager, with further geographic location 8determination by triangulation of signal strengths of multipleInterActMe Local Channel Managers. An InterActMe can be furtherconfigured with a global positioning system (GPS), said GPS establishesprecise location through triangulation with multiple satellite systems,to establish precise geographic location 8. An InterActMe can be furtherconfigured with a local positioning system (LPS), said LPS establishesprecise location through triangulation with multiple local transmittingsystems, to establish precise geographic location 8. When such precisegeographic location 8 is known, the InterActMe system is further capableof proactively utilizing this location 8 for displaying graphically thelocation to the specified parties authorized to know such information,for conveying geographic specific messages such as the issuance of awelcome message. The welcome message can take the form of awalkie-talkie voice message, a phone call voice message, an e-mailmessage, issuance of coupons, or simply an acknowledgement ofregistration. Other purposes of geographic location 8 include safety,marketing, optimal routing, addressing, and communications link, audittrail for payroll, audit trail for security, to individual profiling.

The preferred embodiment may further include software to control theInterActMe Local Channel Manager to exclude any third party fromknowledge of presence, audit trail, billing, and communication latency.The owner of the Local Channel Manager may further subscribe to a useridentification service 9 to learn a wide range of information about theInterActMe owner. Information may further include buying preferences,knowledge of geographic location 8 restrictions, customeridentification.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe system can furtherutilize the knowledge of geographic location 8 coupled with the system'sdatabase 19 knowledge of known geographic locations 8 and coverage areasof every InterActMe Local Channel Manager to enable or disable theutilization of the short-range communication mode, thereby conservingbattery power and communications bandwidth.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe in the preferredembodiment is further capable, within the full functionality of theInterActMe system, of utilizing an integrated data scanner (e.g., readsystem such as radio frequency identification tags, optical readers,infrared transceiver, bar code etc.) to trigger specific messagesbetween InterActMe and InterActMe Local Channel Manager (oralternatively to the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager). Utilization ofscanned information initiates the conveying of a wide variety of contextsensitive information. Included in this context sensitive scheme, thoughnot limited, are the following: a) registration of an individualInterActMe into a specific channel manager, b) inquiry of productpricing information and/or generation of manufacturer's coupon, c)broadcast of known geographic location 8 to InterActMe system, d)broadcast of user's identification to a specific registered device, ande) authorization to initiate the sending of encrypted transactionalinformation.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A communication management system comprising a data router, a routingmanagement system, a wireless communication device and a local channelmanager having a database record for the wireless communication device,whereby the routing management system establishes a communication linkto the wireless communication device having an access number and owneridentification, wherein the local channel manager has a useridentification service with buyer preferences including buyerpreferences for the owner of the wireless communication device, wherebythe routing management system establishes the communication link inaccordance to a time of day and a calendar schedule operable to avoidundesirable interruptions, whereby the database record having an accessnumber of the wireless communication device and a known geographiclocation of the wireless communication device, and the routingmanagement system is operable for the data router to establish knowledgeof a context sensitive data integrated by knowledge of the geographiclocation for the wireless communication device and knowledge of thewireless communication device owner identification.
 2. The communicationmanagement system according to claim 1, further comprised of ageographic location restriction with at least one of screen-in orscreen-out filter operable to avoid undesirable interruptions.
 3. Thecommunication management system according to claim 1, wherein the useridentification service with buyer preferences for the access numberfurther include personal, professional, and marketing information in anobject oriented or semantic database cross-referenced by the wirelesscommunication device access number.
 4. The communication managementsystem according to claim 1, wherein the geographic location of thewireless communication device is utilized to the limit undesirableinterruptions with at least one of screen-in or screen-out filter. 5.The communication management system according to claim 1, furthercomprised of any third party and software, whereby the software isoperable to control the local channel manager to exclude the any thirdparty from knowledge of presence or audit trail of the wirelesscommunication device.
 6. The communication management system accordingto claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device initiates aninquiry of product pricing information, a generation of manufacturerproduct coupon, or an authorization to send encrypted transactionalinformation.
 7. The communication management system according to claim1, further comprised of any third party and software, whereby thesoftware is operable to control the local channel manager to exclude theany third party from knowledge of billing or communication latency ofthe wireless communication device.
 8. The communication managementsystem according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication deviceis further comprised of an integrated data scanner to trigger specificmarketing messages.
 9. The communication management system according toclaim 8, wherein the integrated data scanner is a bar code scanner,radio frequency identification tag reader, optical reader, or infraredtransceiver.
 10. A communication management system comprising a datarouter, a routing management system, a wireless communication device anda local channel manager having a database record for the wirelesscommunication device, whereby the routing management system establishesa communication link to the wireless communication device having anaccess number and owner identification, wherein the local channelmanager has a user identification service, any third party, a softwareto control the local channel manager to exclude the any third party fromknowledge of presence, audit trail, billing, or communication latency ofthe wireless communication device and whereby the database record has anaccess number of the wireless communication device and a knowngeographic location of the wireless communication device.
 11. Thecommunication management system according to claim 10 further comprisedof a user identification service having a database record for thewireless communication device owner and whereby the routing managementsystem is operable for the data router to establish knowledge of acontext sensitive data integrated by knowledge of the geographiclocation for the wireless communication device and knowledge of thewireless communication device owner.
 12. The communication managementsystem according to claim 11 wherein the communication link is utilizedto convey at least one marketing message and displayed to the wirelesscommunication device having the known geographic location.
 13. Thecommunication management system according to claim 12 further comprisedof specified parties authorized, wherein the geographic location of thewireless communication device is displayed to the specified partiesauthorized.
 14. A communication management system comprised of a datarouter, a routing management system, a wireless communication device anda local channel manager having a database record for the wirelesscommunication device, whereby the routing management system establishesa communication link to the wireless communication device having anaccess number and owner identification, wherein the local channelmanager has a user identification service, whereby the routingmanagement system establishes the communication link in accordance to atime of day and a calendar schedule operable to avoid undesirableinterruptions, whereby the database record has an access number of thewireless communication device and a known geographic location of thewireless communication device wherein certain of the communicationslinks are disabled at specified times operable to disable the routing ofmessages to the wireless communication device.
 15. The communicationmanagement system according to claim 14, further comprised of ageographic location restriction with at least one of screen-in orscreen-out filter operable to avoid undesirable interruptions.
 16. Thecommunication management system according to claim 14, wherein the useridentification service with buyer preferences for the access numberfurther include personal, professional, and marketing information in anobject oriented or semantic database cross-referenced by the wirelesscommunication device access number.
 17. The communication managementsystem according to claim 14, wherein the geographic location of thewireless communication device is utilized to the limit undesirableinterruptions with at least one of screen-in or screen-out filter. 18.The communication management system according to claim 14, furthercomprised of any third party and software, whereby the software isoperable to control the local channel manager to exclude the any thirdparty from knowledge of presence or audit trail of the wirelesscommunication device.
 19. The communication management system accordingto claim 14, wherein the wireless communication device initiates aninquiry of product pricing information, a generation of manufacturerproduct coupon, or an authorization to send encrypted transactionalinformation.